Choosing The Perfect Fondant For Your Wedding Cake

A fondant wedding cake is a sophisticated, traditional, regal, and elegant option that works beautifully with mansion and historic venues. It takes years for a designer to learn the skills to create a perfect fondant cake – smooth sides, sharp edges, and complete symmetry. It is also the most technically challenging style and therefore the most expensive option.

Fondant, also known as sugar paste or ready-to-roll icing, is a soft paste made of sugar that is rolled out like dough and then draped and smoothed over the cake. It looks very smooth and dries on the outside, giving the cake some protection and allowing designers to use techniques like hand-painting and textured effects.

There are many brands of fondant available, and the best one for you will depend on your skill level, budget, and whether you prioritise taste or looks. Some popular brands include Satin Ice, Massa Ticino Tropic, Renshaw, and Choco-Pan. When choosing a fondant, you may want to consider factors such as taste, smoothness, ease of use, and cost.

How to choose the best fondant for a wedding cake

Wedding cakes are a central part of the wedding ceremony and fondant is a popular choice for covering wedding cakes. When choosing the best fondant for a wedding cake, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Taste

The taste of the fondant is crucial, as it will be consumed by your guests. While some people prefer a strong vanilla flavour, others might opt for a milder taste. It's worth noting that some fondants have a tendency to taste slightly metallic, so choosing a well-known brand or reading reviews beforehand can be helpful. Additionally, consider the colour of the fondant, as it should complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding cake. White is a traditional choice, but ivory or coloured fondants can also be used to create a unique look.

Workability

The ease of working with fondant is an important consideration. Choose a fondant that is smooth and easy to roll out. Some fondants tend to be sticky, which can make them challenging to work with. Others may be too dry and prone to tearing. Look for a fondant that strikes a balance between being too sticky and too dry. Reading reviews and watching video demonstrations of people working with different fondants can give you a good idea of their workability.

Drying Time

The drying time of fondant is an essential factor to consider, especially when creating intricate designs or models. Some fondants dry very quickly, which can be advantageous if you want to prevent sagging or bulging. However, rapid drying can also be a drawback if you need to make corrections or adjustments. On the other hand, some fondants take longer to set, which gives you more flexibility during the cake-decorating process but may not be ideal for creating firm shapes or models.

Cost

Fondant prices can vary significantly, so it's important to consider your budget when making a choice. While some premium brands offer excellent quality, they might not be necessary for all occasions. If cost is a concern, consider buying fondant in bulk or opting for more affordable options like supermarket brands or homemade fondant. Additionally, you can mix a premium brand with a cheaper one to strike a balance between quality and cost.

Availability and Reputation

When choosing a fondant for your wedding cake, consider the availability and reputation of the brand. Opt for well-known brands that are easily accessible in your region to ensure a consistent supply. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from fellow bakers or cake decorators can also help you select a reputable brand known for its quality and performance.

Practice and Testing

Before committing to a large quantity of fondant for your wedding cake, it's advisable to practice and test different brands. Experiment with small batches of various fondants to familiarise yourself with their unique characteristics. This will help you determine which fondant best suits your skill level, the desired taste, and the overall design of the wedding cake.

In conclusion, choosing the best fondant for a wedding cake involves considering taste, workability, drying time, cost, availability, and your level of comfort with the product. By taking the time to research, test, and practice with different fondants, you can make an informed decision that will result in a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Pros and cons of popular fondant brands

Fondant, also known as sugarpaste or ready-to-roll icing, is a soft paste made of sugar that is rolled out and draped over cakes. It is commonly used for wedding cakes, as it gives a smooth and elegant finish. Here is a comparison of some popular fondant brands, including their pros and cons:

Satin Ice

Satin Ice is a well-known brand of fondant, often considered a premium choice for special cakes. It can be rolled out very thinly, which makes it a good option for covering large cakes or creating intricate details. It has a pleasant vanilla flavour and comes in various colours, including white, buttercream, and antique white. However, it is one of the more expensive options and some users have reported issues with elephant skin and cracking.

Renshaw

Renshaw is a popular brand, offering a range of ready-to-roll fondants and sugarpastes. Their products are generally easy to work with and come in various colours. While they are widely available, some users have found them to be quite expensive. Their white covering paste and extra-ready-to-roll icing have received mixed reviews, with some reporting issues with tearing and elephant skin.

Massa Ticino Tropic

Massa Ticino Tropic is favoured by many cake decorators and is considered one of the best fondants available. It can be rolled out thinly, is forgiving of lumps and bumps, and never cracks. It also tastes great. However, it is more expensive than other brands.

Pettinice

Pettinice is a fondant that performs well in taste tests, with a flavour comparable to traditional buttercream icing. It is soft, easy to knead, and doesn't require the use of cornstarch when rolling. However, it dries very quickly, which can make it challenging to work with for beginners.

Choco-Pan

Choco-Pan is a good choice for those who want their fondant to taste great. It has a white chocolate flavour, which is a unique and pleasant surprise for those eating the cake. It is easy to knead and quick to soften, making it a good option for those in humid climates. However, it can be hard and crumbly when removed from the container.

Duff Goldman

Duff Goldman's fondant has a gummy, stretchy texture and a yellow cast to its colour. It needs to be microwaved to soften before use, and it can be a bit sticky when rolling. It cuts rather raggedly and shows a lot of imperfections. However, it doesn't dry out, which can be an advantage for covering cakes as it won't crack.

Elite (Fondx)

Elite (Fondx) is a premium fondant that produces a smooth and perfect finish. It rolls out very smoothly and uniformly, with no sticking. However, it has an odd chemical-like raspberry flavour that most tasters did not enjoy.

Fondarific

Fondarific is a good choice for those who want a fondant that is easy to work with and has a long shelf life. It cuts cleanly and gives a blemish-free finish. However, some find the taste just okay, and it can be hard and unyielding when first removed from the pail.

How to cover a cake in fondant

Fondant, also known as sugarpaste or ready-to-roll icing, is a soft paste made of sugar that is rolled out like dough and then draped and smoothed over a cake. It is commonly used for wedding cakes as it gives a smooth, elegant, and sophisticated finish.

• Prepare your cake: Before covering your cake with fondant, you will need to stack your cake layers with filling and cover it in a layer of ganache or buttercream. This will create a smooth base for your fondant.
• Choose the right fondant: Select a fondant that is suitable for your needs. Some factors to consider include taste, ease of use, smoothness, and cost. Popular brands include Satin Ice, Duff, Fondx, Pettinice, Choco-Pan, Renshaw, and Massa Ticino Tropic.
• Roll out the fondant: On a clean surface or a non-stick silicone mat, roll out your fondant to an even thickness using a fondant rolling pin. The ideal thickness will depend on the type of fondant you are using, but it is generally recommended to roll it out thinly to avoid a thick layer of fondant on your cake.
• Lift and drape the fondant: Once your fondant is rolled out, use a rolling pin to help lift it and carefully drape it over your cake. Start by positioning the fondant at the back of the cake and gently lower it onto the surface, smoothing it out as you go.
• Smooth the fondant: Use a fondant smoother or polisher to gently smooth out any bumps or air bubbles and create a flawless finish. Work from the top of the cake down the sides, taking care not to stretch or tear the fondant.
• Trim the excess: Using a fondant cutter or a sharp knife, carefully trim away the excess fondant at the base of the cake. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid cutting into the cake itself.
• Finish and decorate: Once your cake is covered in fondant, you can add additional decorations such as fresh flowers, sugar pearls, or moulded fondant shapes. You can also use techniques like stencilling, hand painting, or textured effects to create a unique design.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Covering a cake in fondant takes time and patience, and you may need to try a few different brands of fondant to find the one that works best for you.

Fondant tools and equipment

When it comes to fondant tools and equipment, there are a plethora of options available to help you create the perfect wedding cake. Here is a list of some essential and useful tools that can elevate your cake-decorating experience:

• Basic modelling tools: These include various types of cutters, such as flower, leaf, heart, and geometric shape cutters, as well as modelling tools like ball tools, quilting tools, and cutting blades. These tools allow you to create intricate details and textures on your fondant decorations.
• Rolling pins: A good rolling pin is essential for achieving the desired thickness of your fondant. Look for one with adjustable thickness rings to ensure precise rolling.
• Smoothers and polishers: These tools help you achieve a smooth and flawless finish on your fondant-covered cake. They come in various shapes and sizes to reach all areas of your cake.
• Cutters and plungers: Fondant cutters and plungers are great for creating consistent and intricate shapes, such as flowers, leaves, and other decorative elements. They come in various sizes and designs to add interest to your cake.
• Extruders: Fondant extruders, also known as clay extruders, help you create decorative borders, ropes, and wires for your cake designs. They usually come with multiple discs to achieve different shapes.
• Paintbrushes: Paintbrushes are useful for painting details on your fondant or attaching shapes using gum adhesive. Look for food-grade brushes specifically designed for cake decorating.
• Impression mats and stamps: Impression mats and stamps allow you to create textured and patterned effects on your fondant. They are great for adding intricate details and creating themed cakes, such as fashion-themed stamps for luxury-themed cakes.
• Adhesives: Edible adhesives, such as cake glue, are essential for assembling fondant pieces and attaching decorations to your cake.
• Storage cases: A good storage case will help you keep all your fondant tools and equipment organised and in one place.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of fondant tools and equipment available. Depending on the complexity of your wedding cake design, you may require a more extensive set of tools to bring your vision to life.

Flavouring fondant

Fondant is a versatile icing that can be used to cover cakes, create models, or make decorations. While it is a popular choice for wedding cakes due to its smooth finish, many people dislike the taste of fondant. Here are some tips and tricks for flavouring fondant to make it more appealing to your guests.

One option is to purchase a high-quality fondant that already tastes good. Pre-made fondants like Satin Ice, Pettinice, Choco-Pan, and Massa Ticino Tropic are known for their pleasant flavour and smooth texture. These fondants are generally more expensive, but they can be rolled thinly, so you use less.

If you prefer to make your own fondant, there are several recipes available, such as Liz Marek's LMF recipe or Michele Foster's fondant recipe. Making your own fondant allows you to control the quality and flavour of the product. You can experiment with different ingredients, like Belgian chocolate or marshmallows, to create a unique and tasty fondant.

When flavouring fondant, clear flavouring extracts are a good option. You can add a few drops of clear vanilla or other flavourings to the fondant and knead it until it is evenly distributed. This technique works well with both pre-made and homemade fondant. However, adding flavouring to poor-quality fondant may not be enough to improve its taste significantly.

Another way to enhance the flavour of fondant is to colour it. By using pre-coloured fondant or adding your own colouring, you can create vibrant designs that will impress your guests. Just be sure to choose a high-quality food colouring that won't affect the taste or consistency of the fondant.

If you're looking for unique flavour combinations, consider adding liquor or other flavourful liquids to your fondant. For example, you can soak a fruit cake in alcohol to create a decadent treat for your wedding guests. You can also experiment with different extracts and flavourings to create unusual combinations like wasabi and white chocolate or vanilla and rose.

Remember, when working with fondant, it's important to work quickly as it dries out fast. Re-rolling the same fondant repeatedly can be risky, so aim to get it right the first or second time.

Frequently asked questions